Team 4391, the Gladstone BraveBots, traveled to Saginaw to compete along with Team 3602, the Escanaba RoboMos, after both teams earned qualification for the prestigious event. With 531 teams across Michigan competing throughout the season for a limited number of state championship spots, qualifying alone marked a significant achievement for both programs.

Michigan continues to stand out as a powerhouse in high school robotics. The state hosts more teams than any other in the nation, surpassing even California, which has approximately 390 teams. This depth of competition makes advancement to the state level particularly challenging.

“Michigan is a highly competitive state for robotics, and to qualify to compete at the state level is an honor–well deserved, of course,” said Tim Barron, coach of the Gladstone BraveBots.

Teams earn their place at the state championship through a season-long ranking system, accumulating points as they compete in district events. Consistent performance, technical skill, and teamwork are all critical factors in securing a spot among the state’s top competitors.

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At the state championship, 160 teams qualified to compete, with only the top 80 advancing to the World Championship in Houston, Texas. Among the highlights for both local teams was the opportunity to compete alongside and against some of the top robotics teams in the world–an experience that underscores Michigan’s reputation as one of the most competitive regions globally.

Although the RoboMos and the BraveBots competed on different fields during the tournament, the teams still found time to connect. Staying at the same hotel, they strengthened their community ties by networking and even hosting an ice cream social together.

The Gladstone BraveBots capped off an impressive season by finishing ranked 14th in the state and securing a judges award for the autonomous (when the robot operates on it’s own for the first 20 seconds of a match) features of their robot earning them a coveted spot at the World Championship. The team will depart April 26 for Houston, embarking on a 22-hour convoy with approximately 30 students and 20 adult mentors and supporters.

“It is quite the endeavor to travel cross country in vehicles with everything we need to compete, but it is something the students work for all year long,” Barron said.

The BraveBots have a long history of success, having qualified for the World Championship 12 times in their 16-year existence. Still, Barron emphasizes that nothing about the opportunity is guaranteed.

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“Worlds is not a given opportunity for teams,” he said. “Our students put in an average of 20 hours a week after school and on weekends. Many of them hold jobs in addition. Robotics is a commitment, and if they want to make it to Worlds, it takes everything they have and then some.”

That commitment extends beyond the students. Barron noted that the program relies heavily on the support of mentors, families, and the broader community.

“Hard work is important, but without the support of the community, parents, and organizations, it would be impossible for us to meet our goals,” he said. “Robotics requires adult mentors willing to give their time. It is expensive and requires community buy-in, and parents are tasked with helping it all come together. It really does take a village to make this happen.”

That community support was on full display recently when the team faced a major logistical challenge. After learning that their truck rental reservation had been canceled due to a vehicle shortage, the team was left scrambling for a solution.

“Just when we thought we were stuck, Van Aire offered to help and provided a truck that we could use to pull our trailer to Texas,” Barron said. “Local communities and businesses are what make our team successful, and for that we are grateful.”

Community members who wish to follow the team’s journey or support their trip to the World Championship can find updates and donation information on Facebook by searching Gladstone BraveBots.